JP2022522432A - Equipment for exchanging heat and substances - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (100) for material transfer and direct heat exchange, comprising a single stack of at least two solid metal plates (300) with a rectangular cross section, each plate aligned and at least two parallel. A group of hollow metal columns (200) having a polygonal cross section with faces separates the channel from adjacent plates to at least the first material transfer and direct heat exchange zones (A, C, D) of the device. Parallel to a given direction and continuous with each other, each of the columns in each group is in contact with two metal plates on either side of the group, and at least some of the columns in the group are heat and material. Includes means of replacement (230). [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates specifically to devices for direct heat exchange and material transfer between gas and liquid.

Equipment for direct heat exchange and material transfer is currently used in various processes. For example, the material transfer column allows for a cleaning, mixing, cooling, heating or distillation step to be performed. All of these steps are based on a single basic principle: direct contact between at least two fluids. These two fluids are preferably gases and liquids, but can also be two liquids or two gases.

Thus, such a column comprises at least one direct heat exchange and material transfer medium through which the two fluids pass countercurrently or in parallel and material transfer and direct between these two fluids. Heat exchange takes place.

In the distillation process, this column is placed at the bottom so that the gas or two-phase feed stream is sent directly to the heat exchange and material transfer column and the column establishes a series of continuous steps of condensation and vaporization of the stream sent to the column. Heat with and / or cool at the top. As a result, the gas flow rising in the column is rich in at least one lighter component of the supply flow, and the countercurrent to the liquid flow descending in the column under gravity is at least one heavier component of the supply flow. Will be abundant.

In the cleaning step, a gas or two-phase supply stream is sent directly to the heat exchange and material transfer column and further supplied to this column at the top by a liquid that selectively absorbs one or more components of the supply stream. As a result, the gas flow rising in the column is rich in selectively absorbed components, and the countercurrent to the liquid flow descending in the column is rich in selectively absorbed components.

In a rectification step using heat generated when two phases are mixed, which is known as a mixing step, French Patent No. 2143986, French Patent No. 2584803, and CPC F25J3 / 0446 and As described in other patents classified as F25J3 / 04466, the liquid supply flow is sent to the top of the column, the gas supply flow is sent to the bottom, and the product of the process is drawn in the middle of the column.

Direct heat exchange and material transfer equipment is usually manufactured by placing corrugated lamellae grouped together in blocks to form a structured packing within a cylindrical shell. This method can be slow and expensive due to the dimensions of the column and the complexity of manufacturing and installing the packing. Furthermore, if the fluid used is at very low temperatures, aluminum is a suitable material for the manufacture of packings, or even column shells.

Structured packings require the entire production line and therefore cannot be accurately adapted to the heat and / or material exchange that the packings need to perform.

For example, only certain densities, certain waveform angles and certain pleated heights are available. Moreover, the packing is bulky and difficult to store.

It is also known to manufacture heat exchanger bodies by forming a stack of rectangular plates separated by perforated fins and then brazing the stack to form a body with multiple passages.

This type of body is later used to transfer heat indirectly from one fluid to another, and the fluid in the passage with fins is through a plate into an adjacent passage with fins or fins. The heat of the fluid is transferred through the plurality of plates to the plurality of adjacent passages having.

In this case, there is no material transfer between the two fluids. The ALPEMA standard "The standard of the brazed aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger manufacturers' assembly" describes these indirect heat exchangers for indirect heat exchange between two or more fluids formed of brazed aluminum. ing.

This brazing is a permanent assembly process that establishes a metal bond between the plate and the fins.

Although this type of body is often used as an indirect heat exchanger, it has never been used on an industrial scale due to the separation of fluids at temperatures below 0 ° C. Aluminum is a very well-suited substance for this manufacturing method.

In the prior art, the cryogenic air separation unit generally forms, in particular, the main heat exchange line of the cryogenic air separation unit, and the vaporizer-condenser in which the medium and low pressure columns involved in the heat exchange relationship are located. Includes brazing plate heat exchanger. These two distillation columns that perform material exchange are not incorporated into the brazing base material that constitutes these brazing plate heat exchangers.

European Patent No. 0767352 proposes a zone in which a fractionation function is incorporated into these brazing base materials, that is, indirect heat exchange and material exchange and direct heat exchange are simultaneously performed.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,295,839 proposes incorporating distillation and indirect heat exchange functions into the brazing base material, but provides a solution that is brazable and has the necessary mechanical strength to withstand operating pressure. It does not describe how to design such a brazed base material (also called a "core") to have.

Bruinsma O. S. L. Et al., The scientific publication "The distilled heat integrated disstillation collection" of Chem Eng Res Des (2012) is described in the ALPEMA document "The standard's of the brazed aluminum brazed aluminum". The performance of the conventional waveform of the exchanger is compared with the brazed cross waveform packing in the base metal. In the case of cross corrugated packing, a 1 mm perforated separation sheet is inserted between the two corrugated sheets to braze the whole before brazing to ensure mechanical strength. The efficiency of the conventional waveform is HETP (height equivalent to the theoretical stage) of about 1.4 meters, which is very poor. The efficiency of the cross corrugated packing is better at HETP between 0.2 and 0.4 meters.

Nevertheless, if it is required to increase the efficiency of the packing, increase the density of the packing (typically above 1000 m2 / m3, or even more than 1500 m2 / m3) to have a HETP smaller than 100 mm. There is a need. For this reason, the height of the waveform changes from 8 to 9 mm to 3 to 4 mm, and it is necessary to double the number of separation sheets.

An object of the present invention is to be efficient (eg, can have HETPs smaller than 100 mm), can withstand pressure, is easy to manufacture at low cost, and indirect heat exchange in a preferred embodiment. Is to propose a direct heat exchange and material transfer device that can incorporate.

In particular, the elements of the device can be easily found commercially at low cost in various dimensions and shapes. Therefore, it is easy to adapt the element to specific operating conditions (eg, pressure, temperature, and composition of the associated fluid).

Equipment elements can be pre-purchased, stored and combined in a variety of ways to produce equipment that fully meets customer needs with reduced manufacturing time.

A first object of the present invention is to separate mechanical strength and contact surface function, especially for material transfer and direct heat exchange between an ascending gas and a descending liquid under gravity. Therefore, most of the contact surfaces do not play an important role in the mechanical capacity to withstand the pressure of the device. This eliminates the need to increase the number of separation sheets for brazing, while at the same time using high density (typically 750 m2 / m3, or even more than 1000 m2 / m3) stacking or random packing. Can be done.

Further, an object of the present invention is to manufacture a device having a pressure resistance particularly to the same amount of device material. In particular, the use of multiple stacking columns can better control pressure propulsion and reduce the amount of material required. By using multiple stacking columns in parallel, the hydraulic diameter of these columns is reduced.

Now, a column with a small hydraulic diameter (several centimeters) with a given packing is significantly more efficient than a typical industrial column whose diameter is between 1 and 10 meters.

When a column with a diameter of 1 meter is divided into 1000 columns in parallel, the hydraulic diameter of these columns is divided by the square root of 1000 to obtain 32 cm.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to propose a multi-functional device combined in a single assembly of plates.

According to another subject of the invention, a direct heat exchange and material transfer device comprising a single stack of a plurality of columns, at least two, preferably at least three solid metal plates of rectangular cross section, the plate. The shapes and dimensions of are all substantially the same, the plates are parallel to the decision direction, and each plate is aligned and has a polygonal cross section (preferably a rectangular cross section, or even more) with at least two parallel planes. A group of hollow metal columns (with a square cross section) separates from the adjacent plate to at least the first direct heat exchange and material transfer zone of the device, the channels are parallel to the determination direction and continuous with each other. Optionally, all of the columns of the device are parallel to each other, each of the columns of each group is in contact with two metal plates on either side of the group, and at least a portion of the columns of the group or even each group. , Or even the entire column of the group provides direct heat exchange and material transfer devices, including material and heat exchange means, such as packings such as random or structured metal packings.

Other optional embodiments are as follows.
-The board is fixed to the column by brazing or adhesive joining.
-The column is fixed by brazing or adhesive bonding.
The plates, columns, and optionally the material and heat exchange means are all made of i) the same metal, or ii) the same alloy, or ii) an alloy with the same major metals. The board and / or column may have, for example, a coating of brazing material. The board and / or column material is covered with a coating. The coating can vary from plate to column or column.
-Plates and / or columns and / or direct and / or indirect heat exchange and material transfer means are made of one of aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, copper or titanium metals.
The minimum dimension of the edge of the cross section of the column is more than 2 cm, preferably more than 4 cm.
The length of the board is at least equal to 1 m, preferably 2 m, or even 4 m.
The first zone constitutes part of the device defined by the width and thickness of the stack and part of the length of the stack.
The device includes at least two-thirds of the columns in the first zone, preferably all of the columns, with the same fluid.
The device includes means of collecting the same fluid from at least two-thirds of the columns in at least the first zone, preferably all of the columns.
The stacking is a means of supplying the fluid coming from the first zone to one of the two passages between the two plates, and heat to allow indirect heat exchange using heat generation or refrigerant fluid. Indirect heat composed of parts of the equipment defined by the width and thickness of the stack and part of the length of the stack, including means to supply the generated or refrigerant fluid to the remaining passages in the second zone. Includes a second zone, which is an exchange zone.
The device includes a second direct heat exchange zone that constitutes part of the device defined by the width and thickness of the stack and part of the length of the stack, preferably at least two-thirds of the column of the zone. Includes means to supply the same fluid to all of the columns and / or to collect the same fluid from at least two-thirds of the columns in the zone, preferably all of the columns.

According to another subject of the invention, a device for separation, eg, by distillation or washing, used at temperatures below 0 ° C., during use, the liquid introduced into the columns flows into each column under gravity. It is rich in one of the components of the fluid to be separated, the means for sending the fluid to be separated to the exchange body containing at least two components, and the heat and substance exchange device as described above, which is oriented in this way. Provided is a device for separation, comprising means for extracting at least one separating fluid from at least one end of the device and means for insulating a switching device, eg, an insulating chamber containing the switching device.

The separator can include two zones designed to operate at different pressures, and a means of delivering the fluid to be separated to the exchange body containing at least two components is connected to the first zone. Means for extracting at least one separating fluid, which is rich in one of the components of the fluid to be separated, from at least one end of the device so as to operate at a pressure lower than the pressure in the first zone. It is connected to a second zone designed for.

The present invention can include the step of separating a mixture of gases (eg, air) using an apparatus as described above.

All or substantially all of the columns supplied by the same fluid flow, using a number of columns including means that allow direct heat and material transfer, are separated and / or mixed with the fluid, eg, cleaning and /. Alternatively, distillation can be performed.

The contact surface of the packing is much larger than the surface of the channel containing the packing. These packings do not serve as pressure resistant because they are not mechanically connected to the wall of the channel.

The HETP of the packing is preferably less than 100 mm with respect to the mixing of air and gas at atmospheric pressure.

Other features, details and advantages will be further clarified by reading the detailed description given as an example with respect to the drawings below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a substance and / or a heat exchanger manufactured by the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the substance and / or heat exchanger according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the two materials and / or heat exchange columns of the apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 4 illustrates an internal cross section of a substance and heat exchange device according to the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative arrangement of columns for zones of the device according to the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various methods of constructing a column of zones of an appliance. FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus according to the present invention.

In the rest of the specification, the terms "direct and / or indirect heat exchange and material transfer means" and "exchange means" are used interchangeably. Similarly, the terms "direct and / or indirect heat exchange and material transfer exchange device" and "device" are used interchangeably. When the device is in a functional position, i.e., where direct and / or indirect heat and material exchange can take place, the vertical direction corresponds to the main direction of extension of the device according to the invention.

Accordingly, FIG. 1 is a brazing assembly method comprising three direct exchange and material transfer zones A, C and D and incorporating an indirect heat exchange zone B for vaporizer-condenser type indirect heat exchange. The direct and indirect heat exchange and material transfer devices 100 according to the present invention are illustrated. The apparatus includes a plurality of (at least two, or even at least three, preferably at least ten) flat plates 300 with a rectangular cross section, and a plurality of direct heat exchange and material transfer columns 200. The flat plate 300 has the same shape and the same dimensions. The flat plate can be solid, i.e., not perforated.

Now, a plate can be considered solid even if the plate contains a large number of local perforations that allow fluid to pass from one passage to an adjacent passage, or balance the distribution of liquid or the pressure drop on the gas side. .. The device is in the form of a parallelepiped block with a rectangular or even square cross section. The length of the device is the length of the plate along the axis X. The width of the apparatus is the width of the plates along the axis Z, and the thickness of the equipment depends on the number and dimensions of the plates along the axis Y of the material and / or the heat exchange column.

These plates 300 are placed for material and heat exchange means with a length perpendicular to axis X and a horizontal width along axis Z.

According to the example shown here, the device includes five flat plates 300 and 80 columns 200. The sixth flat plate 300, which forms part of the stack, typically needs to cover the surface defined by the length of the device and the width of the device. This board is not illustrated for a better understanding of the configuration of the device.

The length of the plate 300 is at least equal to 1 m, preferably 2 m, or even 3 m.

Columns are arranged in 3 zones A, C, D, each zone contains 20 columns arranged in 5 columns 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and each column has 4 columns. include. The column 200 has the same configuration even if the dimensions of the column are different. In this case, the 60 columns have the same square cross section. All columns can have the same rectangular cross section, or simply the same cross section.

Preferably, these columns are readily commercially available and can be ordered in bulk at low cost using dimensions and shapes that correspond to their role in the device. This allows the equipment to be standardized to simplify the manufacture of the equipment and reduce manufacturing costs, and also to dimension other equipment with higher accuracy if the customer's needs are more specific. can. In direction Y, these columns typically have dimensions of a few centimeters, ie between 2 cm and 10 cm. In direction Z, this dimension is typically a few centimeters, or even a few decimeters.

The columns of single zones A, C, D have the same length to form a parallelepiped block of 200 columns.

In Category B, to ensure vaporizer-condenser type indirect heat exchange, the stack can be split with spacer sheets 301 and conventional exchange waveforms as described by ALPEMA can be used. In addition to the combination of functions, the advantage of placing the vaporizer-condenser in the device is to ensure liquid backflow to Zone A and promote gas flow into the passage by condensation, or ascend in Zones C and D. Specific uniform flow in various passages (separated by sheet 300) by ensuring re-boiling of zones C and D by partially vaporizing the liquid coming from zone C to ensure gas flow. It is to guarantee the distribution. The number of passages in Category B has passages in Zone B that condense to supply liquid to Zone A above each passage in Zone A as determined by the sheet 300 and supplies gas to Zone C. Since the passages in the zone B to be vaporized are provided below each passage in the zone C, it is preferably at least two passages.

Zones can have different lengths depending on the function the zone needs to have, and the length of the column is selected by the length of the zone.

The wall of the column is preferably solid so that fluid cannot pass through the wall of the column.

The number of columns in each category may be different for each category. The column does not necessarily have to be a square cross section, but can have a rectangular cross section, or simply a polygonal (eg, triangular) cross section, or a polygonal (eg, octagonal) cross section with two parallel sides.

Each column 200 has the advantage of being in contact with the two flat plates 300 and sandwiched between the two flat plates 300 and thus having a cross section with two parallel walls. The flat plate 500 may be placed on the planes of the right and left columns in FIG. 1 (plane (X, Z)) so as to close the device, which allows the internal structure of the device to be seen. Not illustrated to be possible.

Alternatively, in order to make the device more robust, the thickness of the flat plate 300 located on the outside of the device can be increased.

Each space between a pair of adjacent plates 300 includes an alignment 208 of four columns 200 in contact along axis Z.

Further optionally, there is a rod 400 that closes the space between the front and rear plates 300 of the device 100. However, these bars prevent the column 200 from being seen and are therefore not exemplified here.

Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the rod 400 is absent and the sealing is guaranteed by the column itself or by another means (eg, adhesive).

In this drawing, each column has the same cross section and each zone contains the same number of columns, so it is easy to place each column 200 in the column directly below the columns in the upper zone.

Each column is in contact with one other column when the column is located at the end of the column, or is in contact with two other columns.

The following description of one of the columns applies to all of the configuration columns 200 of the apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 with the necessary modifications.

According to the example shown here, the device 100 is shown at the operating position of the device. The "operating position" shall mean a position where the device 100 can be used. Each column 200 has an extension spindle parallel to the extension principal direction X of the material and / or heat exchanger 100. When the device 100 is in a vertical position, i.e., the operating position of the device, this main axis X of extension is the vertical axis. This is only one exemplary embodiment of the invention, allowing the device 100 and the configuration column 200 of the device 100 to have different shapes without departing from the context of the invention. The axis Y represents the stacking of devices, depending on the number of stacked plates 300 and the dimensions of the column 200. The axis Z represents the width of the device corresponding to the width of the plate 300.

Optionally, the device comprises closing means configured by a horizontal bar 400 connected to the edge of the plate by a sealing method.

Such a device 100 is configured to allow at least one material transfer and one indirect heat exchange between two fluids.

Thus, for example, the device can be configured to allow the exchange of material and heat between the liquid circulating in the device in the first direction and the gas circulating in the device in the second direction. Any other step of exchanging material and heat between the two fluids may be carried out by the apparatus 100 according to the invention without departing from the context of the invention. For example, the device 100 can be configured to perform a cleaning step and / or a distillation step.

The device allows contact between the gas phase ascending along the axis of the device and the liquid phase descending under gravity for heat and material exchange.

In addition, the device can include operating pressure by a brazed mechanical connection between the plate and the bar.

In any case, the device 100 according to the invention has at least one suction port for a first fluid (eg, a liquid suction port) and at least one suction port for a second fluid (eg, a gas suction port). These fluid inlets, including, are not shown in the drawings described herein.

Each column 200 includes four walls 202 surrounding a space 204 that is open at both ends to allow fluid to pass through the column in the vertical direction. The fluid cannot pass through the four walls.

The column includes means for transferring mass and heat. This means can be structured or random packing.

The packing can provide an important contact surface for the contact between the liquid phase and the gas phase, and thus any type of structure that can improve the exchange between the liquid phase and the gas phase. It shall mean.

The contact surface of this packing is larger than the contact surface formed by the inner wall of the column 200, and is preferably very large.

For example, the chaotic and irregular stacking of individual elements with a particular shape, such as rings, spirals, etc., is called random packing. These individual elements are used to exchange heat and / or material. These individual elements can be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or similar materials. N. "Packed Bed Colors" by Kolev, Elsevier, 2006, pp 154-161 describes exemplary individual elements for random packing.

Random packing provides advantageous quality in terms of transmission efficiency, low pressure drop, and ease of installation. Random packings include, for example, Raschig rings, pole rings, beads, spiral prism packings. Other types of packing, such as structured packings, or metal foams, which are more complex to implement, are of course conceivable.

Since the use of random packing can be selectable to have specific properties, or can be within reach of easily commercially available packing that can be purchased in bulk at low cost for standardized equipment. , Especially recommended. These packings are readily commercially available and can be ordered in bulk at low cost with dimensions and shapes that correspond to their role in the device. This allows the equipment to be standardized to simplify the manufacture of the equipment and reduce manufacturing costs, and also to dimension other equipment with higher accuracy if the customer's needs are more specific. can.

Preferably, the column is completely filled with packing.

The plates, columns, and mass and heat transfer means are preferably made of metal (eg, aluminum or titanium). The packing can be made of stainless steel or a material more compatible with oxygen, such as copper, nickel, Inconel®, Monel® and the like.

The plates of each pair of adjacent plates are continuous with the column between the pair of plates and the column in the space between the pair of plates that are continuous with each other.

Preferably, the column is not covered with brazing material, but the column can also be covered. There is a sheet known as Separation Sheet 300, which is generally covered with brazing on both sides.

Preferably, the space between the two adjacent plates has a width substantially equal to one of the smaller dimensions of the replacement column so that each column contacts the two adjacent plates even before the brazing operation.

Each column in zone C can be contacted with the adjacent plate 300 and separated from the column in adjacent zone D by a distribution or separation means 220.

Preferably, as illustrated, the distribution means are common to the four columns of alignment 208 between the two plates 300. On the other hand, the distribution means is arranged in the space between the two plates 300 and does not cross the plates.

Once the plate, pre-filled column with packing, and distribution means are installed, the device is placed in a furnace in an inert or reducing atmosphere and brazed to secure the column and distribution means to the plate.

The temperature of the furnace is chosen so that each column is fixed to the two plates on the opposite side, which is sufficient for the device to form the block later.

On the other hand, the packing is not adversely affected by the brazing work. As a result, the fluid introduced into the column can be separated by a series of steps of condensation and vaporization on the packing of the column. Similarly, the columns are not brazed to each other.

The maximum temperature experienced by the device during brazing is lower than the melting point of the plate, which is believed to be away from the brazed coating, lower than the melting point of the column, preferably lower than the melting point of the material and heat exchange means.

Brazing contacts the plate and creates a metal bond between the plate, the column and the distribution means. By using a column with a polygonal cross section, it is possible to have a large contact surface in common with the plate, thus further improving the coupling force of the device.

Prior to the brazing step, the columns do not need to be attached to each other, which greatly simplifies the manufacture of the device.

Preferably, the columns are isolated and each column is independent of the other columns. Select the dimensions of the column and the means by which the fluid is introduced into the column so as to limit the inflow of gas or liquid towards the plate.

Further, the distribution means is fixed to the board by brazing work and is not fastened to the column or board before the brazing work.

Preferably, the fluid to be separated or mixed is introduced into each column, and the device introduces a portion of the fluid into each column of one of Zones A, C or D, preferably below Zone D. Including means.

The fluid to be separated or mixed is sent only to the column and is not in direct contact with the plate.

The fluid to be separated then rises through the packing of each column and is enriched with the lightest components passing from one zone of the column to the upper zone.

As will be described in more detail below, each column 200 includes at least one peripheral wall 202 that defines the internal volume of the column 200.

More specifically, each peripheral wall 202 defines at least one outer surface 211 juxtaposed on the outer surface of another column 200, i.e., the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the other column, and its internal volume, eg, the inner surface 212 visible in FIG. including. At least one substance and heat exchange means 230, also shown in FIG. 2, are arranged in this internal volume.

Advantageously, at least one substance and heat exchange means are placed in each column 200, each of these exchange means is housed in a partition 204 of the column 200, and each partition 204 is each of at least one distribution device. At least partially defined at the top by 220. These distribution devices 220 are configured to ensure an even distribution of at least the first fluid, preferably the first fluid and the second fluid, across one or more substances and / or heat exchange means. ing. This homogenization shall facilitate the material and heat exchange that takes place on these mediums of exchange.

According to the example shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 includes three distribution devices 220 that divide the device into four zones. This is only one particular exemplary embodiment of the invention, and this example is not intended to limit the invention at all.

These four zones can operate at different pressures and / or have different functions. Zone A can operate at 6 bar and zones C and D can operate at a pressure of 1.4 bar.

Advantageously, during the brazing operation in which the columns 200 can be fixed to each other, the elements placed on the device 100 are brazed together. In other words, the material and / or heat exchanger 100 is completely assembled in a single step.

After brazing, if the device needs to operate at a temperature very low or very high relative to the ambient temperature, the device can be covered with an insulator. Alternatively, the device can be placed in an insulated chamber.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, an exemplary exchange column for an apparatus according to the invention, including material and / or heat exchange means and arrangement within the apparatus, is described in more detail here. These FIGS. 2 and 3 partially illustrate the horizontal cross section of FIG. 1, that is, the cross section with respect to the plane inscribed by the extension spindle X of the column 200.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention showing 20 columns of zones of the device. To better understand that each column 200 is individual and not attached to an adjacent plate or adjacent column prior to brazing, the dimensions of the space between the columns 200 and the space between the columns and the plates are dimensioned. Exaggerated. Generally, the dimensions of the plate 300 are about 1 mm, while the square tube 202 depends on the mechanical compressive strength at high temperatures during the brazing step in the furnace and the mechanical capacity to withstand the pressure during use of the device. With centimeter-scale dimensions and a few millimeters of thickness, the dimensions of the plate 300 are also exaggerated.

In this example, although the device is divided into a series of zones, the device can absolutely contain only a single zone if the length of the column is actually the length of the board.

If the device most likely contains multiple zones, the column will have a length at most equal to the length of the zone range in the direction of the plate length.

It can be seen that between each pair of plates 300 there is an alignment of four columns 200 with a square cross section having four walls 202 having a length equal to the length of the plate or part of the length of the plate.

FIG. 3 shows a part of the zone in FIG. 2 after the brazing step. It can be seen that the column 200 is sandwiched between two plates 300 covered with brazing material. Each of the two facing walls of the wall 202 of the column 200 is connected to the facing plate 300. The two other facing walls 202 are continuous with a plurality of adjacent columns or walls of adjacent columns and closing bars. The interior 204 of the column comprises at least one means of facilitating material and heat exchange, such as random packing.

1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 basically describe a method of assembling an apparatus by brazing. Such devices can also be manufactured using alternative assembly methods or a combination of assembly methods such as brazing, riveting, adhesive bonding or welding. As an example, only Category B can be manufactured by brazing, and Category B can be joined by welding to Categories A, C and D manufactured by welding.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of an apparatus according to the invention that can be used, for example, for distillation of air. This cross section corresponds to the cross section with respect to lines AA in FIG. 1 even when the column row between the two plates having much more columns than in FIG. 1 is used by the example in FIG. The stacking direction of the plates 300 is described on the page (axis Y).

Twenty-eight columns 200 are aligned in the space between the same two adjacent plates for each zone A, C, D, with zone B not including column 200. The same applies to each pair of boards in a stack of boards. The cooling gas mixture to be separated (in this case, air) is supplied to the zone A corresponding to the medium pressure column through the lower end of the zone A so as to be sent to each column 200 of the zone A. As the air passes through the random packing at the inner 204 of each column, the air rises at the column, becomes rich in nitrogen, and becomes poor in oxygen. It is possible not to supply air to a very small number of columns without departing from the present invention. Next, the gas moves through the distribution means 220 so as to enter the zone B. Liquid oxygen descending from Zone C via the distribution means is supplied to Zone B. Zone B includes alternating passages for oxygen vaporization and nitrogen condensation, each passage being used for vaporization or condensation, and heat is transferred through a plate 300 defining the passage.

The liquid nitrogen distributed by the distribution means 220 descends and returns to the column of Zone A to perform the function of backflow.

Gaseous oxygen rises to Zone C. Further, the oxygen-enriched liquid coming from the lower part of the zone A is supplied to the zone C from above. Further, the condensed nitrogen coming from the condenser B is sent to the distribution means 220 above the zone D.

In order to generate the nitrogen-enriched gas drawn from the column 200 of the zone D, the liquid sent to the zones D and C is separated in these zones D and C by distillation, and the oxygen-enriched liquid is separated into the zone C. Take out from column 200 of.

FIG. 5 shows that the column 200 does not necessarily have to have the same length as the zone range in the direction of the length of the plate 300. The exemplary zone can be one of zones A, C or D.

In this case, the column 200 has a length equal to half the dimension of the zone in the vertical direction. The upper column 200 is offset from the lower column by installing columns 206 with a rectangular cross section on both sides of a group of columns 200 with a square cross section.

This allows for larger liquid and gas agitation within the zone. This is because liquids and gases do not stay in a single column as they pass through the zone.

FIG. 6 illustrates a possible alternative configuration for column 200. As illustrated in FIG. 4, columns can be formed by tubes having square cross sections placed side by side with each other. A tube having a rectangular cross section can also be used to form a column. Another possibility is to juxtapose the open structure so as to form a column, each with a wall belonging to two different elongated elements.

Therefore, in FIG. 6a, a column is formed by the element 200C having a C-shaped cross section in a state where the two ends of the C-shaped cross section are in contact with the two ends of the C-shaped cross section of the adjacent element.

In FIG. 6b, a column is formed by the element 200H having an H-shaped cross section in a state where the two ends of the H-shaped cross section are in contact with the two ends of the H-shaped cross section of the adjacent element.

In FIG. 6c, the element 200C'having a C-shaped cross section is arranged with the bottom of the element touching the end of the arranged elements.

It can be envisioned to place the brazing material on some of the elements that need to be contacted to reinforce the column during brazing of the base metal.

Therefore, a group of hollow columns is constructed by grouping the elements that each form part of the two hollow columns.

FIG. 7 shows the device in FIG. 1 in use, where surface 704 is the last plate of the stack (and thus in plane XZ).

Air enters the half-cylinder 700, which plugs the lower surface of the block 100, through the duct 600. Air rises in all columns 200. The pressure and flow rate are selected so that all columns can be supplied without the use of specific means within the half-cylinder that facilitates the distribution of air. The oxygen-enriched liquid descends from Zone A to the bottom of the half-cylinder 700. This liquid is sent to Zone D via the duct 800. The nitrogen-enriched liquid is sent from the upper part of Zone A to the upper part of Zone D via the duct 808.

Oxygen enrichment products, which can be gas or liquid, are drawn through duct 806.

The nitrogen-enriched gas product reaches the half-cylinder 700, which plugs the top surface of the block 100, from all columns 200 in Zone D and is withdrawn through the duct 804.

A fluid suction port at the same height as the distribution means 220, which can distribute the fluid by a half-cylinder over each column of each column of the column, or collect the fluid coming from each column of each column of the column. And install an exit. Distributing means 220 are located on both sides of each plate, and fluid cannot pass from one side of the plate to the other.

To insulate the device, the device can be contained in a conventional cooler box containing pearlite, or otherwise the solid insulator can cover the walls of the device, in this case sealing the insulator. Do not ask the room to do.

Claims (12)

A direct heat exchange and material transfer device (100) comprising a single stack of a plurality of columns (200), at least two rectangular sections, preferably at least three solid metal plates (300), said plate. The shapes and dimensions of the plates are all substantially the same, the plates are parallel to the decision direction, and each plate is aligned and has a polygonal cross section (preferably a rectangular cross section, or has at least two parallel planes). Further, by a group of hollow metal columns (200) having a square cross section), at least the first direct heat exchange and material transfer zone (A, C, D) of the device is separated from the adjacent plate by the channel. Parallel to the determination direction, continuous with each other, and optionally all of the columns of the device are parallel to each other, and each of the columns in each group is the two on either side of the group. In contact with the metal plate, at least a portion of the columns of the group or even each group, or even all of the columns of the group, may be a material and heat exchange means (230), such as random or structured metal packing. Including packing,
Direct heat exchange and material transfer device (100). The device according to claim 1, wherein the plate (300) is fixed to the column (200) by brazing or adhesive joining. The plate (300), the column (200), and optionally the substance and the heat exchange means (230) are all i) the same metal, or ii) the same alloy, or iii) the alloy having the same major metal. The device according to claim 1 or 2, which is formed. The plate (300) and / or the column (200) and / or the direct and / or indirect heat exchange and material transfer means (230) are one of aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, copper or titanium metal. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is formed of a single piece of aluminum. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the minimum dimension of the edge of the cross section of the column (200) is more than 2 cm, preferably more than 4 cm. The direct heat exchange and material transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the length of the plate (300) is equal to at least 1 m, preferably at least 2 m, or even at least 4 m. The first zone (A, C, D) constitutes a part of the apparatus defined by the width and thickness of the stack and a part of the length of the stack, claim 1-6. The device according to any one. Claims 1-7, comprising means of supplying the same fluid to at least two-thirds, preferably all of the columns (200) of the column (200) in the first zone (A, C, D). The device according to any one. Claims 1-8, comprising means for collecting the same fluid from at least two-thirds of the column (200) in at least the first zone (A, C, D), preferably from all of the columns (200). The device according to any one. The stacking is an indirect heat exchange using means of supplying fluid coming from the first zone (A, C) to one of two of the passages between the two plates, and heat generation or refrigerant fluid. Defined by said width and thickness of the stack and part of the length of the stack, including means for supplying heat generation or refrigerant fluid to the passage remaining in the second zone to enable. The apparatus according to claim 7, which comprises a second zone (B) which is an indirect heat exchange zone composed of a part of the said apparatus, and is combined with claim 8 and / or claim 9. A second direct heat exchange zone (B) comprising a portion of the apparatus defined by said width and thickness of said stack and said portion of said length of said stack is included, zones (A, C). , D) At least two-thirds of the column (200), preferably at least two-thirds, preferably at least two-thirds of the column of the means and / or zone of supplying the same fluid to all of the column (200). 7. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising means for collecting the same fluid from all of the above, in combination with claim 8 and / or claim 9. A device for separation, for example by distillation or washing, used at temperatures below 0 ° C., directed to allow the liquid introduced into the columns (200) to flow into each column under gravity during use. Of the heat and substance exchange device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a means for sending a fluid to be separated to an exchange body containing at least two components, and the component of the fluid to be separated. A device for separation, including means for extracting at least one separating fluid, one abundant, from at least one end of the device and means for insulating the switching device, eg, an insulating chamber containing the switching device. ..

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